Learning sciences advances understanding of the learning process and the design of innovative learning environments. This interdisciplinary, research-based field originated at Northwestern University, where the School of Education and Social Policy started the first learning sciences program in the world to help people develop the skills needed for an increasingly complex world.
PhD in Learning Sciences
Students become qualified as researchers, developers and practitioners who advance the scientific understanding and practice of teaching and learning.
PhD in Computer Science and Learning Sciences (CS+LS)
This program builds on enduring and growing connections between research on learning and computation.
Masters in Learning Sciences
Students learn to advance the understanding and practice of teaching and learning in formal and informal settings.
Meet Our Learning Sciences Alumni
Alumni of the Learning Sciences program advance to leadership positions in academic, nonprofit and business organizations. Master's graduates work as educational designers, consultants, training providers and school technologists. PhD graduates excel as researchers with universities, government agencies and private firms.
See what our Learning Sciences PhD alumni are doing.News
Stay current with the latest news from our Learning Sciences program.
Carol Lee Elected President of the National Academy of Education
Professor emeritus Carol D. Lee, the former Edwina S. Tarry Professor of Education, has been named president elect of the National Academy of Education.
O'Rourke Develops Cyberlearning Technology
Northwestern University professors Eleanor O’Rourke and Haoqi Zhang have received a $750,000 National Science Foundation Cyberlearning grant to help beginning computer science students develop better learning strategies and diversify the field.
Computer Science + Learning Sciences Doctoral Program Welcomes New Cohort
Matt Brucker, Ayse Hunt, and Michael Smith have joined the School of Education and Social Policy’s Joint PhD Program in Computer Science and Learning Sciences.